How Much is a Chinese Muslim Worth? And the Enya Connection.

That would be roughly $11 million each! Geez, can I have one to sell? Ok, it isn't quite that way, but the U.S. is giving the Pacific nation of Palau $200 million in aid because they've agreed to resettle 17 Chinese Muslims--also called by their ethnic name of Uighurs--now being held at Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo). As the story goes, these Uighurs have been cleared of actually being terrorists, and the U.S. has been wanting to resettle them. However, we're afraid to send them back home to China (see shaded area of map for Uighur regions) because they may be imprisoned there or executed--because the Chinese government considers the Uighurs to be dangerous Islamic separatists (i.e., terrorists).

Confused yet? Stay with me! So yeah, it does sound a little like these 17 guys were sold, but figuring out what the hell to do with them has been a thorn in President Obama's side and was holding up closing Gitmo for good. Apparently, no one but Palau wanted the Uighurs. Albania took 5 Gitmo Uighurs in 2006 but said, "Thanks, we have plenty." Plus, Obama wants to close Gitmo by next January, so he's running out of time.

Not a bad deal, really. Palau (below) gets much-needed cash, and these prisoners get a new life in island paradise--sweet!

Wow--never thought I'd have a post with so many seemingly unrelated things. But wait--that's not all!

Did you know that Palau used to be a U.S. trust, ever since it was seized from Japan in World War II? We gave them their independence in '94, but we still have to defend them if they're attacked. And so Palau lets us have a military base there. Plus, if you're native Palauan, you can travel to the U.S. without a passport or visa!

So what does singer Enya have to do with this? Well, she has that phrase "from Bissau to Palau" in my favorite song, "Orinoco Flow!" Ok, NOW this is officially the most surreal post I've ever done.

How Much is a Chinese Muslim Worth? And the Enya Connection.

That would be roughly $11 million each! Geez, can I have one to sell? Ok, it isn't quite that way, but the U.S. is giving the Pacific nation of Palau $200 million in aid because they've agreed to resettle 17 Chinese Muslims--also called by their ethnic name of Uighurs--now being held at Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo). As the story goes, these Uighurs have been cleared of actually being terrorists, and the U.S. has been wanting to resettle them. However, we're afraid to send them back home to China (see shaded area of map for Uighur regions) because they may be imprisoned there or executed--because the Chinese government considers the Uighurs to be dangerous Islamic separatists (i.e., terrorists).

Confused yet? Stay with me! So yeah, it does sound a little like these 17 guys were sold, but figuring out what the hell to do with them has been a thorn in President Obama's side and was holding up closing Gitmo for good. Apparently, no one but Palau wanted the Uighurs. Albania took 5 Gitmo Uighurs in 2006 but said, "Thanks, we have plenty." Plus, Obama wants to close Gitmo by next January, so he's running out of time.

Not a bad deal, really. Palau (below) gets much-needed cash, and these prisoners get a new life in island paradise--sweet!

Wow--never thought I'd have a post with so many seemingly unrelated things. But wait--that's not all!

Did you know that Palau used to be a U.S. trust, ever since it was seized from Japan in World War II? We gave them their independence in '94, but we still have to defend them if they're attacked. And so Palau lets us have a military base there. Plus, if you're native Palauan, you can travel to the U.S. without a passport or visa!

So what does singer Enya have to do with this? Well, she has that phrase "from Bissau to Palau" in my favorite song, "Orinoco Flow!" Ok, NOW this is officially the most surreal post I've ever done.

Has Hillary Won or Lost on Cuba?

The small nation of Cuba carries a weight in the politics of this hemisphere that is out of proportion to its size and power. Ironically, by trying to isolate the Communist island, we've given it more influence than it otherwise would have on its own. It's like the pebble in your sandal. So I'm very curious to see how the Obama administration will change things, if at all.

But things ARE changing. The Organization of American States voted to allow Cuba to rejoin after roughly 50 years--and they broke with the U.S. Or did they? Cuba can rejoin with preconditions; the nation must improve on human rights and other issues. Hillary Clinton says this is a good compromise. Her critics, and those of Obama, however, are already calling this a defeat for the new administration, saying Clinton should have bullied the other OAS countries into keeping Cuba out. Most of the OAS members seem fed up with U.S. policy and posturing toward Cuba.

But I wonder if Clinton and Obama let this happen. Cuba obviously needs to improve human rights, and yet we didn't bully our way to keep the country out of OAS. By reversing this 50-year-old ban, we let other OAS members have a say. We're showing that we're willing to have a "new beginning," as Obama has said. We're taking steps toward Cuba, and now we're waiting to see what it will offer in return. Which is all smart and reasonable, I think.

Of course, the U.S. provides about 60% of OAS funding, and some rabid anti-Communist members of Congress are already threatening to pull funding if Cuba rejoins. Which is funny--because Cuba has basically said, "Thanks, but fuck you." Cuba doesn't even WANT to rejoin!

And around and around we go...

Has Hillary Won or Lost on Cuba?

The small nation of Cuba carries a weight in the politics of this hemisphere that is out of proportion to its size and power. Ironically, by trying to isolate the Communist island, we've given it more influence than it otherwise would have on its own. It's like the pebble in your sandal. So I'm very curious to see how the Obama administration will change things, if at all.

But things ARE changing. The Organization of American States voted to allow Cuba to rejoin after roughly 50 years--and they broke with the U.S. Or did they? Cuba can rejoin with preconditions; the nation must improve on human rights and other issues. Hillary Clinton says this is a good compromise. Her critics, and those of Obama, however, are already calling this a defeat for the new administration, saying Clinton should have bullied the other OAS countries into keeping Cuba out. Most of the OAS members seem fed up with U.S. policy and posturing toward Cuba.

But I wonder if Clinton and Obama let this happen. Cuba obviously needs to improve human rights, and yet we didn't bully our way to keep the country out of OAS. By reversing this 50-year-old ban, we let other OAS members have a say. We're showing that we're willing to have a "new beginning," as Obama has said. We're taking steps toward Cuba, and now we're waiting to see what it will offer in return. Which is all smart and reasonable, I think.

Of course, the U.S. provides about 60% of OAS funding, and some rabid anti-Communist members of Congress are already threatening to pull funding if Cuba rejoins. Which is funny--because Cuba has basically said, "Thanks, but fuck you." Cuba doesn't even WANT to rejoin!

And around and around we go...

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.

Will Obama Make Good on Environmental Promises?

It's looking to be "yes," but time will tell, and Obama is in for a fight from conservatives and those states that fear their economies will be hurt by new environmental legislation.

Offshore wind power is getting closer to wider use as the administration took the step of finalizing rules, what you can and cannot do, as well as how revenue will be shared nearby states. I'm hopeful that this energy source will help reduce our dependence on coal and oil.

And hearings continue this week in DC on Obama's climate and energy bill, which he says will help produce more "green jobs" and stimulate our national economy. Congress is fighting over how much to charge large producers of carbon emissions and what the impact will be on our economy. Personally, I say "Stick it to'em!" These companies need an incentive to innovate, and money is all they understand. We have to stop falling into the trap of looking only at the short term and instead develop a longer range vision for the future of this country.

That's my 2 cents, anyway.

Will Obama Make Good on Environmental Promises?

It's looking to be "yes," but time will tell, and Obama is in for a fight from conservatives and those states that fear their economies will be hurt by new environmental legislation.

Offshore wind power is getting closer to wider use as the administration took the step of finalizing rules, what you can and cannot do, as well as how revenue will be shared nearby states. I'm hopeful that this energy source will help reduce our dependence on coal and oil.

And hearings continue this week in DC on Obama's climate and energy bill, which he says will help produce more "green jobs" and stimulate our national economy. Congress is fighting over how much to charge large producers of carbon emissions and what the impact will be on our economy. Personally, I say "Stick it to'em!" These companies need an incentive to innovate, and money is all they understand. We have to stop falling into the trap of looking only at the short term and instead develop a longer range vision for the future of this country.

That's my 2 cents, anyway.

Latin American Leaders and Obama Chillaxin' in Trinidad

Everything's more laid back in the Caribbean, mon! Which is probably a good thing. Would love to be there right now myself.

Obama really impressed Latin American leaders at the recent Summit of the Americas, held in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. What caught my eye in particular was the title of a book that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (who once called George W. Bush "the devil"--ha!) gave to Obama. Titled "The Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent" by Eduardo Galeano, it was on my required reading list for a course I took for my master's degree!

Who knows if Obama will actually read it, but I would like to know what he thinks. Personally, I didn't care for it. Yes, I did learn a lot, but I thought the author was way too skewed toward an extreme socialist/communist viewpoint. It was difficult to figure out what was true and what was his opinion. Really no different than reading something from a more capitalist approach.

• But Chavez certainly seemed to have a crush on Obama, and they kept shaking hands. Easy fellas! Chavez said he was even going to restore Venezuela's ambassador to the U.S. ("my people will call your people!"). Aw, that's nice.

• Evo Morales of Bolivia wasn't having any of the love-in, however. Sounds like he needs to consult with those shamans who "endorsed" Obama during the election.

• Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega was polite but, apparently, still bitter over what former U.S. prez Ronald Reagan did to him.

• And Raul Castro is obviously feelin' the love from Obama, as the two have made tentative baby steps toward normalizing U.S./Cuban relations.
  

How can anyone stay angry in Trinidad, a place that obviously knows how to party!?

Latin American Leaders and Obama Chillaxin' in Trinidad

Everything's more laid back in the Caribbean, mon! Which is probably a good thing. Would love to be there right now myself.

Obama really impressed Latin American leaders at the recent Summit of the Americas, held in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. What caught my eye in particular was the title of a book that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (who once called George W. Bush "the devil"--ha!) gave to Obama. Titled "The Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent" by Eduardo Galeano, it was on my required reading list for a course I took for my master's degree!

Who knows if Obama will actually read it, but I would like to know what he thinks. Personally, I didn't care for it. Yes, I did learn a lot, but I thought the author was way too skewed toward an extreme socialist/communist viewpoint. It was difficult to figure out what was true and what was his opinion. Really no different than reading something from a more capitalist approach.

• But Chavez certainly seemed to have a crush on Obama, and they kept shaking hands. Easy fellas! Chavez said he was even going to restore Venezuela's ambassador to the U.S. ("my people will call your people!"). Aw, that's nice.

• Evo Morales of Bolivia wasn't having any of the love-in, however. Sounds like he needs to consult with those shamans who "endorsed" Obama during the election.

• Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega was polite but, apparently, still bitter over what former U.S. prez Ronald Reagan did to him.

• And Raul Castro is obviously feelin' the love from Obama, as the two have made tentative baby steps toward normalizing U.S./Cuban relations.
  

How can anyone stay angry in Trinidad, a place that obviously knows how to party!?

Kumar Heads to the White House!

Sorry, couldn't resist. Actor Kal Penn of "Harold and Kumar" fame has just joined the Obama Administration (he's the one on the left if you're not familiar). He's leaving acting behind temporarily (and taking a pay cut) to serve in the Office of Public Liaison, specifically working with the arts community and Asian Americans. Penn, whose most recent TV role was on the Fox series "House," was an active Obama campaign volunteer.

It's nice and inspiring to see an up-and-coming actor like Penn take on a role in public service. You don't see that very often. Usually the other way around--actors have great careers and then decided to run for president or governor.

Still, wouldn't it be funny if Penn reverts to his slacker, dope-smoking Kumar character? Well, not really, I guess, but I do love the "Kumar" films. Hmmm, I bet the Republicans will have a field day with this.

Kumar Heads to the White House!

Sorry, couldn't resist. Actor Kal Penn of "Harold and Kumar" fame has just joined the Obama Administration (he's the one on the left if you're not familiar). He's leaving acting behind temporarily (and taking a pay cut) to serve in the Office of Public Liaison, specifically working with the arts community and Asian Americans. Penn, whose most recent TV role was on the Fox series "House," was an active Obama campaign volunteer.

It's nice and inspiring to see an up-and-coming actor like Penn take on a role in public service. You don't see that very often. Usually the other way around--actors have great careers and then decided to run for president or governor.

Still, wouldn't it be funny if Penn reverts to his slacker, dope-smoking Kumar character? Well, not really, I guess, but I do love the "Kumar" films. Hmmm, I bet the Republicans will have a field day with this.

And Speaking of the United Nations--U.S. to Join Declaration Decriminalizing Gays!

Really, I wish I didn't even have to post on these things--but this is good news! After the Bush administration refused to give U.S. approval to a UN declaration calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality around the world, Obama has said he will! Finally, a president who has some sense!

Here's an excerpt:

"We join with the other supporters of this statement and we will continue to remind countries of the importance of respecting the human rights of all people ..." said a White House official, who added that the U.S. was concerned about "violence and human rights abuses against gay, lesbian, transsexual and bisexual individuals" and was also "troubled by the criminalization of sexual orientation in many countries."

Bet they're talking about Burundi, which I posted on back in 2008. I find it so surreal that places like this still exist. Thank you, whatever gods there are that I wasn't born there! Just this week, 20,000 people marched in Burundi--in favor of making homosexuality a criminal offense! Hmmm, guess Burundi gets crossed off the list for the next White Party.

So much fear, so much drama and so unnecessary...

And Speaking of the United Nations--U.S. to Join Declaration Decriminalizing Gays!

Really, I wish I didn't even have to post on these things--but this is good news! After the Bush administration refused to give U.S. approval to a UN declaration calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality around the world, Obama has said he will! Finally, a president who has some sense!

Here's an excerpt:

"We join with the other supporters of this statement and we will continue to remind countries of the importance of respecting the human rights of all people ..." said a White House official, who added that the U.S. was concerned about "violence and human rights abuses against gay, lesbian, transsexual and bisexual individuals" and was also "troubled by the criminalization of sexual orientation in many countries."

Bet they're talking about Burundi, which I posted on back in 2008. I find it so surreal that places like this still exist. Thank you, whatever gods there are that I wasn't born there! Just this week, 20,000 people marched in Burundi--in favor of making homosexuality a criminal offense! Hmmm, guess Burundi gets crossed off the list for the next White Party.

So much fear, so much drama and so unnecessary...

Obama Stands Up for Families and Eases Travel Restrictions to Cuba

Thank heavens these restrictions are finally being rolled back. Back in '04, Bush had instituted a tortuous policy that made it illegal for Cuban-Americans to visit their relatives still living on the island except for ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS. Why? Well, it would bring Fidel Castro to his knees! Yeah, that worked out well.

But Obama has now reversed this policy, which only punished the families. So now Cuban-Americans can make 1 trip to Cuba per year, and they can stay as long as they like once they arrive. They can also visit more distant relatives.

We still have a long way to go with regards to our inhumane policies against Cuba, but this is a great step forward. Gracias, Barack!

Obama Stands Up for Families and Eases Travel Restrictions to Cuba

Thank heavens these restrictions are finally being rolled back. Back in '04, Bush had instituted a tortuous policy that made it illegal for Cuban-Americans to visit their relatives still living on the island except for ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS. Why? Well, it would bring Fidel Castro to his knees! Yeah, that worked out well.

But Obama has now reversed this policy, which only punished the families. So now Cuban-Americans can make 1 trip to Cuba per year, and they can stay as long as they like once they arrive. They can also visit more distant relatives.

We still have a long way to go with regards to our inhumane policies against Cuba, but this is a great step forward. Gracias, Barack!

Obama and Salazar Uphold Bush Decision to Remove Wolves in Western States from Endangered List

Guess I am a bit disappointed. Citing wolves' comeback in several Western states and around the Great Lakes area, Obama's Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Friday kept in place the Bush Administration's recent removal of wolves from the list of endangered species.

I had posted earlier how I was suspicious of Bush's last minute decision on this before he left office in January. Obama said this would be reviewed, and so it was, but I guess I was hoping for an outcome more in favor of the wolves. As I said, I know a balance must be struck between humans and wildlife, but I think wildlife often gets shafted.

The federal government is also turning over management of the wolf populations to each state. But I question this move. I know the country is in financial straits, but I fear the states might cut corners--and once again, the wolves suffer.

Obama said the wolves' resurgence was a great "success story" of the Endangered Species Act, and he does have a point. Wolves will remain on the endangered list in Wyoming, the Southwest and several other states.

Environmental groups are, naturally, not so happy about Salazar's decision, including SaveWolves.org.

Obama and Salazar Uphold Bush Decision to Remove Wolves in Western States from Endangered List

Guess I am a bit disappointed. Citing wolves' comeback in several Western states and around the Great Lakes area, Obama's Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Friday kept in place the Bush Administration's recent removal of wolves from the list of endangered species.

I had posted earlier how I was suspicious of Bush's last minute decision on this before he left office in January. Obama said this would be reviewed, and so it was, but I guess I was hoping for an outcome more in favor of the wolves. As I said, I know a balance must be struck between humans and wildlife, but I think wildlife often gets shafted.

The federal government is also turning over management of the wolf populations to each state. But I question this move. I know the country is in financial straits, but I fear the states might cut corners--and once again, the wolves suffer.

Obama said the wolves' resurgence was a great "success story" of the Endangered Species Act, and he does have a point. Wolves will remain on the endangered list in Wyoming, the Southwest and several other states.

Environmental groups are, naturally, not so happy about Salazar's decision, including SaveWolves.org.

Another Contributor to Global Warming: the Hot Air Spewing Forth from Conservatives' Mouths

What is with some conservatives in this country? Yesterday, I'm sitting in the car, waiting for my partner at the drug store and listening to a favorite Country music radio station. During a break, the DJ starts talking about President Obama and the stimulus packages. He didn't get too specific, but it was obvious from the tone of his voice that he thought Obama was making a big mistake.

So I flip the station. Play music, cowboy, and leave the politics to someone else. But I can't find anything I like and end up on a talk radio channel, notorious for its conservative views. I'll bet you can't imagine what they were talking about! What else, but how Obama is flushing this country down the toilet.

I shut the radio off. Because earlier in the day, I had heard reports about nutjob Rush Limbaugh continuing to get attention for saying he wants Obama's economic plans to fail. And on the way to work, I heard other radio DJs spouting off with their views about the economy.

Enough! Sure, it's America and you have a right to your opinion. But, first, if your job is to play music on a radio station, then I don't want to know your politics.

Second, why all this venom against Obama? He's trying to DO something, people! And give the man a chance--he's only been in office just over 1 month! If there's one common thread in all these various comments against Obama, it's that he's "Communist" or "Socialist," or that he's against "free enterprise" and "capitalism." Best of all: "Obama's going to take away our freedoms!"

Really? So riddle me this, idiots: When your buddy Bush was in office for 8 years, pray tell what happened? When conservatives controlled the country for at least 6 years, what happened? Don't get me started. And what solutions are conservatives offering?? Nada.

Look, I don't care what label you slap on Obama's economic plans. All I care is that it works. Same with health care. Call it Satanism! Call it Dadaism! Why does this matter? We are in serious trouble, and the conservatives just want to argue about abstractions and semantics. This is proof their ideology has run out of steam.

So I've turned off my TV in the mornings. Should've done that a long time ago. As much as I feel like I need to stay up to date, especially for freelancing work--screw it. I can't take the negativity. Just someone call me if the world explodes or something. And the next local DJ that goes off on politics is getting a call from me.

Another Contributor to Global Warming: the Hot Air Spewing Forth from Conservatives' Mouths

What is with some conservatives in this country? Yesterday, I'm sitting in the car, waiting for my partner at the drug store and listening to a favorite Country music radio station. During a break, the DJ starts talking about President Obama and the stimulus packages. He didn't get too specific, but it was obvious from the tone of his voice that he thought Obama was making a big mistake.

So I flip the station. Play music, cowboy, and leave the politics to someone else. But I can't find anything I like and end up on a talk radio channel, notorious for its conservative views. I'll bet you can't imagine what they were talking about! What else, but how Obama is flushing this country down the toilet.

I shut the radio off. Because earlier in the day, I had heard reports about nutjob Rush Limbaugh continuing to get attention for saying he wants Obama's economic plans to fail. And on the way to work, I heard other radio DJs spouting off with their views about the economy.

Enough! Sure, it's America and you have a right to your opinion. But, first, if your job is to play music on a radio station, then I don't want to know your politics.

Second, why all this venom against Obama? He's trying to DO something, people! And give the man a chance--he's only been in office just over 1 month! If there's one common thread in all these various comments against Obama, it's that he's "Communist" or "Socialist," or that he's against "free enterprise" and "capitalism." Best of all: "Obama's going to take away our freedoms!"

Really? So riddle me this, idiots: When your buddy Bush was in office for 8 years, pray tell what happened? When conservatives controlled the country for at least 6 years, what happened? Don't get me started. And what solutions are conservatives offering?? Nada.

Look, I don't care what label you slap on Obama's economic plans. All I care is that it works. Same with health care. Call it Satanism! Call it Dadaism! Why does this matter? We are in serious trouble, and the conservatives just want to argue about abstractions and semantics. This is proof their ideology has run out of steam.

So I've turned off my TV in the mornings. Should've done that a long time ago. As much as I feel like I need to stay up to date, especially for freelancing work--screw it. I can't take the negativity. Just someone call me if the world explodes or something. And the next local DJ that goes off on politics is getting a call from me.